Parent Infant Program

birth - 18 months


The first two years of life are the most important. Observation proves that small children are endowed with special psychic powers, and points to new ways of drawing them out—literally ‘educating by cooperating with nature.’ So here begins the new path, wherein it will not be the professor who teaches the child, but the child who teaches the professor.”


– Maria Montessori, “Education for a New World”

A New Concept in Early Childhood Education

More learning takes place in the first two years than at any other time in a child’s life. The brain develops rapidly, and this growth is aided by the child’s physical experiences. The Montessori School of Lake Forest Parent Infant Program helps parents gain a better understanding of their child as they learn meet the child’s true needs without sacrificing their own. With so much time devoted each day to the “maintenance” of the very young child—diapering, feeding, bathing, entertaining—there is very little time to stop and appreciate children for the unique beings they are, and for the contributions they bring to the family. Through parent/child sessions and parent discussions, you will grow to know and appreciate your child even more thoroughly, from this fresh new perspective.

Montessori and the Prepared Environment

The children in the Parent Infant Program are truly the educational resource for their parents and their Montessori-trained director, as they explore the wonders of their ever-widening world. The Montessori approach provides a “prepared environment” for children. This means that every object in the classroom is chosen specifically for this age child. The children are free to explore and learn by experiencing the classroom materials and the other children—a critical component of their early education as they learn to interact with a familiar group of peers on a regular basis.

A Good Beginning

With their language and movement skills developing well, and their parents supporting their growing independence, young toddlers are ready for the learning opportunities of the Montessori pre-school Toddler environment.


The Parent Infant Program at MSLF is an introduction to the Montessori method for infants and parents. Held in a classroom with a prepared environment for infants, our program supports the infant’s development of functional independence, coordination and confidence through the development of language, gross- and fine-motor, social-emotional and cognitive skills.



The Montessori method encourages the parent to act as an observer of their child’s development, providing support and encouragement to the child only if needed, based on guidance from the trained Montessori teacher who leads the class.

Parent Infant Sessions for 2023-2024

Parent Infant sessions have not yet been scheduled for the 2023-2024 school year. Stay tuned for more information.


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